Aviation Unions Announce Indefinite Strike, Threatening Nationwide Flight Disruptions

Significant flight disruptions are imminent across Nigeria as aviation workers from the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) prepare to commence an indefinite strike over unpaid salary adjustments.

Four key unions, the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), the Association of Nigerian Aviation Professionals (ANAP), and the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE), have declared industrial action beginning at 5:00 a.m. on Monday, August 11.

The unions cite the Federal Government’s failure to implement a new salary structure finalized over eight months ago. A seven-day ultimatum issued on July 31 expired without substantive government engagement, prompting the decision.

In a joint statement, union leaders directed all members to indefinitely withdraw services, stating: “All operations in NAMA will be grounded until the Federal Government meets our demands.”

Formal notifications have been sent to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), airline operators, security agencies, and other stakeholders advising them to prepare for severe operational impacts. Travelers are urged to seek alternative arrangements, as the strike is expected to paralyze both domestic and international flights.

Aviation analysts warn of potential chaos, noting NAMA’s critical role in air traffic control, radar operations, communications, and navigational aid. The suspension of these services would render flight operations within Nigerian airspace unsafe.

As of Friday evening, neither the Ministry of Aviation nor the Federal Government had issued an official response, casting uncertainty on last-minute negotiations to avert the shutdown.

– By Oshuniran Sheriff Ola